Growing Minneapolis July: News and Information from the City of Minneapolis department of Community Planning and Economic Development

Growing Mpls 2

July 2020

Step Up logo

Step Up Reframes 2020 Program for COVID-19

In a typical program year, there would have been nearly 1,400 interns and 200 Twin Cities businesses on board to make Step Up summer internships happen. Due to COVID-19, for summer 2020, this is not the case as there are fewer job experiences to offer. In light of this, Step Up has developed new plans that take into consideration the safety of Minneapolis youth, employer partners and staff. While the summer 2020 Step Up program will look different than a normal year, we are excited to still be able to offer our students the opportunity to develop employment skills and earn money.

Step Up plans to offer a reduced scale internship program, as positions are made available and can ensure the safety of interns by following CDC, MDH and DEED guidelines. About 400 young people will participate in this experience.

Step Up participants who will not be placed in internships this summer (approx. 2,600 youth) will have an opportunity to participate in a stipend earning five-week online training program focusing on core work readiness competency skills and career exploration. Each week will have a training module and for every module completed, youth will earn a stipend. The online training program is being developed with our partners and is planned to launch July 13 – August 14. Through this experience youth will have the opportunity to develop their communication skills, time management, teamwork, problem solving, financial literacy, and explore their career interests, with additional opportunities to attend virtual networking events, participate in e-mentoring and earn certificates and career credentials.

These program components outline an opportunity to offer career exploration activities and experiences to over 3,000 Minneapolis youth.

Read more about Step Up


The Twin Cities Hospitality and Events Workers’ Relief Effort

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Ten percent of Minneapolis/St. Paul area workers earn income in the hospitality and events sector. Women and people of color make up a large portion of this sector’s workforce. The Twin Cities Hospitality and Events Workers’ Relief Effort supports those who lost earnings due to business closures and event cancellations due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Through the fund, workers may access direct financial support of up to $200.00 to assist with rent and mortgage payments, utilities and other essential expenses. In addition, hospitality sector “navigators” assist displaced workers with applying for unemployment, negotiating payment with landlords and utility companies, managing finances, childcare needs and more.
Find information on eligibility and to apply


CareerForce Offers Opportunities

CareerForce logo

Recently Laid off? You could be Eligible for Dislocated Worker Services

People who have been laid off and are receiving unemployment benefits may be eligible for specialized employment and training services through the Dislocated Worker program to help prepare for their next job. This could include funding for post-secondary schooling for in-demand careers like (nursing, IT, trade programs), funding short-term training certificates (welding, commercial driver's license), providing child care assistance, and coordinating on-the-job training opportunities. 

Minneapolis CareerForce is providing virtual sessions to pre-screen eligible applicants for job search assistance and retraining opportunities. Information sessions will be offered virtually.  Participants will be contacted via email after the date and time of the session. For more information about these sessions, please call North Minneapolis CareerForce at 612-299-7200 or  South Minneapolis CareerForce at 651-539-4410.

The extra $600/week ends in July

Minnesotans who have been receiving unemployment or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) have also received an additional $600 payment each week, which was provided by the federal government in the CARES Act. The last week that this additional benefit can be paid is the week ending July 25, 2020. If you remain eligible for unemployment or PUA, you will still receive your normal payment – but after July 25, you will no longer receive the additional $600. Any questions, call 651-296-3644.

Partnership with Coursera for Online Learning Opportunities

Below is a press release from the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) regarding partnering up with Coursera to provide Minnesotans with FREE access to online learning content through March 2021.


New/Expanding Businesses

Food/Beverage

Finance

building outdoors

In the News

Minneapolis mayor unveils coalition to lead rebuilding, promises to center black voices
Read in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal

Lake Street Recovery Fund Tops $6M, Starts Taking Applications
Read in Twin Cities Business

New legal clinic aims to offer free help to Lake Street businesses hurt by riots
Read in the Star Tribune

Hope outlasts fire at Du Nord Craft Spirits
Read in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal


About this Newsletter

Growing Minneapolis is published monthly by the City of Minneapolis Community Planning and Economic Development Department. If you have questions, please contact kelly.stacken@minneapolismn.gov.

For reasonable accommodations or alternative formats please call 311 at 612-673-3000.

People who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to call 311 at 612-673-3000. TTY users can call 612-263-6850.

Para asistencia 612-673-2700, Yog xav tau kev pab, hu 612-673-2800, Hadii aad Caawimaad u baahantahay 612-673-3500.

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